First, I'd like to say how much I appreciate the existence of this website and all the helpful members.

I've been hibernating.  I figured out the MX-500 quite a few years ago.  I actually FORGOT a lot, but have gone through four MX-500's my family managed to destroy.  Amazingly, the clone feature allowed my work to live on despite me forgetting how it all was set up. 

Now, I've finally entered the 21st century with an LG 55LW8900 widescreen TV.  I was immensely relieved to see its user's guide list remote codes for things like power on, power off and selection of inputs.

But the codes for the LG are in hex.  The way I did discrete codes in the distant past was punching in 4 digit (0-9) codes into a One-For-All URC-8811B00, another dinosaur.  I would use it as a surrogate to teach my venerable MX-500 certain codes. 

As a software and electronics developer, I understand what hex means.

So, my questions are:
1. Is there a remote you all would recommend that I can put hex codes into?

2. I read some about using a USB device and software to edit things on a PC.  Great idea.  What would everybody recommend?

3. I wonder just how far out of date am I?  I wonder what other questions I should be asking?

TIA,
Bill

1) URC stuff has the Universal Browser, which has a HEX converter. It may be specifically for Pronto HEX, but I can't recall.

2) Almost all URC stuff (From the mx-780 and up) is PC Programmed and loaded via USB. Pretty simple to pick up and very versatile. Keep in mind, in order to get the program you need to buy from an authorized retailer that will release the software to you. You can't download full versions from the URC site. This is their version of product control.

3) Based on what you said about time out of the industry. Honestly, almost anything is possible. I think it would be most appropriate for you to define what you want, what you'd like and prioritize your desires. Do you want to browse the internet on your remote? Do you want to use your iPad/iPod as a remote instead of a traditional remote? Traditional Hard button vs Touch Screen vs Hybrid? Ignore your perceptions of hardware limitations, and make a list of everything you'd like your remote to do, even if it's out of the ordinary like: "I really need my remote to be able to automatically turn the Oven on every Tuesday & Thursday at 5 am". Then it would be easier to find the right product.

Bill,

It has been quite a while. The remotes have gone through at least two generations of redesigns and there are hardly any models which are not programmed by PC, as KC had mentioned.

The MX-980 is one of the finest remotes they have to offer at the moment. I probably sold more MX-900s than any other remote they made, until recently when they changed the internal design. Now I am migrating my clients to the MX-980.

I hope this helps.



Thank you,
Damon